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2026 Program Unveiled with more than 1500 Shows!
Fri, Dec 5 2025
Today we unveiled our 2026 Fringe program, igniting the countdown to another remarkable season of creativity, culture and connection. With more than 1500 shows spanning comedy, cabaret, circus, theatre, music, visual art, interactive works and large-scale immersive experiences, Australia’s biggest arts festival will once again transform Adelaide into one of the world’s most bustling cultural destinations.
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Running from 20 February to 22 March 2026, Adelaide Fringe will activate hundreds of venues, precincts and pop-up locations across the CBD, suburbs and regional South Australia, from iconic hubs to intimate neighbourhood spaces, injecting colour, energy and imagination into every corner of the state.
Beloved Fringe institutions including Gluttony, The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Rhino Room, Fool’s Paradise, Goodwood Theatres, Courtyard of Curiosities, Plant 4 Bowden, Arkaba Hotel, Holden Street Theatres and dozens more will once again create a constellation of festival hotspots across the city and suburbs.
Venue and Program Highlights:
- Gluttony will host a strong program of First Nations–led works at Tandanya, featuring powerful storytelling, contemporary performance and collaborations that foreground Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices. Highlights include Aboriginal Comedy All-stars.
- The Smartphone Orchestra and Adelaide Youth Orchestra are teaming up on a unique experience at the Star Theatres where the audience helps create The Score.
- Holden Street Theatres’ program is jam packed with local and international theatre shows including the Edinburgh Fringe sellout, ‘Eat the Rich’.
- Goodwood Theatre will be home to the Australian premier of Cadel: Lungs on Legs after sellout shows throughout the UK, with the show performing the entire season across February and March.
- The newly refurbished Mortlock Library, which was recently noted as the second most beautiful library in the world, will host a stunning season of Orpheus and Eurydice by Fringe favourites Wright and Grainger.
- The West End delivers an exciting program, with Arthur Art House returning along with Infamous Circus back in the Western Parklands and new to the Fringe Lassu Cosmic Cabaret Circus in a Big Top tent, taking over Light Square.
- Immersive Worlds, a new festival initiative presented in partnership with NRMA Insurance and Novatech Creative Technologies, showcasing Fringe’s rapidly expanding landscape of digital, sensory and experiential art. This year’s program invites audiences into next-generation VR worlds such as Monsieur Vincent, an interactive experience of works painted by Van Gogh, Surround Sync VR experiences at the Mercury Cinema and boundary-pushing immersive film. Anchoring the series is a suite of full-dome works at Olympic House, including the return of the cult favourite Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon. Following its previous sell-out seasons, this 360-degree fusion of sound, art and space is back by popular demand.
- Another highlight in the 2026 program will be Cathedral Chiaroscuro, an immersive fusion of light, projection, and music set to transform St Francis Xavier Cathedral in the heart of the city on Wakefield street into a visual masterpiece.
With artists arriving from all over Australia and around the world, and audiences returning year after year to make Fringe part of their summer tradition, the 2026 season promises to be one of the most dynamic in the festival’s history.
Adelaide Fringe Director and CEO Heather Croall AM said, “Adelaide Fringe continues to grow as a festival that celebrates creativity in all its forms, the 2026 program showcases extraordinary talent from South Australia and around the world, offering audiences experiences that surprise, connect and inspire.”
Through the Adelaide Fringe Fund, the festival has awarded more than 200 grants and over $1 million in funding to artists, producers and venues in the 2026 program. In total, 228 projects have received support, with a focus on first-time Fringe performances, world premieres, First Nations work and emerging South Australian talent. These grants help remove financial barriers and ensure new and diverse voices can take their place on stages across the state.
Through the Adelaide Fringe Fund, the festival has awarded more than 200 grants and over $1 million in funding to artists, producers and venues in the 2026 program. In total, 228 projects have received support, with a focus on first-time Fringe performances, world premieres, First Nations work and emerging South Australian talent. These grants help remove financial barriers and ensure new and diverse voices can take their place on stages across the state.
South Australian Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels MP said, “Adelaide Fringe is a cornerstone of our state’s cultural identity. It brings people together, supports jobs and local businesses, and gives artists a platform to build their careers. The 2026 program is absolutely incredible and reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a destination for world-class arts and cultural experiences. I encourage everyone to book their tickets early and get ready for another amazing season of Fringe!”
The regions can expect heightened programming in 2026, with a preseason of The Dome taking place in Mount Gambier from 7 to 13 February, made possible by The Dome Touring Partner Adelaide University. An extended season will then follow in Whyalla from 27 March to 6 April, supported by the Drought Relief Regional Event Fund. With more than 100 shows taking place in 86 venues across regional South Australia, including a large music program in Parachilna at the Prairie Hotel, and a program of over 25 shows in Loxton Waikerie Council, Fringe Across the State promises to be bigger than any year before it.
Fringe energy will also surge across the suburbs, with metropolitan councils continuing to embrace Fringe in a big way. Leading the charge in 2026 are Charles Sturt (123 shows), Unley (85), Port Adelaide Enfield (69), Norwood Payneham & St Peters (46), West Torrens (43), Onkaparinga (31), Prospect (25), Burnside (24), and Marion (23).
“Principal Partner BankSA’s State General Manager, Consumer Enza Ferraro said, “For over 20 years BankSA has been supporting Adelaide Fringe, a collaboration that delivers significant economic returns for South Australia.
BankSA is deeply committed to backing South Australians, championing local stories and creating shared cultural experiences that leave a lasting impact on our state’s communities and creative industries. We’re also proud to offer BankSA cardholders 25% off tickets to participating shows, helping to make Fringe more affordable, accessible and exciting for South Australians and visitors alike.”
This year also welcomes several exciting new partners to the Adelaide Fringe family, with Adelaide University, Health Partners and AirAsia joining the 2026 season. Their support strengthens the festival’s ability to reach new audiences, enhance accessibility and deliver unforgettable experiences across South Australia.
Adelaide Fringe remains committed to keeping the festival accessible and affordable for audiences, with a range of discounted ticket options available across the 2026 season. From today (5 December) until 11 December, audiences can enjoy 30% off Early Bird tickets across participating shows, alongside ongoing Family Discounts, Group (6+) savings and the
popular Midweek Treat for Wednesday performances. Fringe Members will also continue to enjoy exclusive access to 2for1 ticket offers, ensuring even more ways for South Australians and visitors to experience the magic of Fringe.
popular Midweek Treat for Wednesday performances. Fringe Members will also continue to enjoy exclusive access to 2for1 ticket offers, ensuring even more ways for South Australians and visitors to experience the magic of Fringe.
